应用文写作指导之道歉信讲义
一、道歉信的重要用途(a letter of apology)
“道歉”是生活中难免的行为,也是礼貌优雅的行为。正是因为“道歉”,我们可以化尴尬的时刻为暖心舒人的礼物, 正如名言所说:An apology is lovely perfume, which can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift(道歉是一种可爱的香水,它能把最尴尬的时刻变成一份令人舒适的礼物)。道歉信,也是高考应用文中的重要一种。2016年全国卷III就是要求同学们写道歉信。——无论是基于生活的需要,还是出于备考的需要,我们都要掌握道歉信的写法。
二、“道歉信”的总体结构
通常情况下,道歉信包括四部分:表示歉意、说明原因、弥补方法和再表歉意。四部分可以写成三自然段,也就是把“说明原因”和“弥补方法”合在第二段里,当然,也可以将它们拆开,这样就形成四个自然段。道歉信的总体框架可参考下图。
三、“道歉信”各部分写什么
(一)第一段写什么?开门见山表歉意
(1) I’m sorry to say that I cannot go to the bookstore with you on Friday afternoon.
(2) I am writing to express/convey my sincere/heartfelt apology to you for my being unable to travel with you.
(3) I feel terribly sorry that I cannot go to Yunnan in July with you as planned.
(4) I’m awfully sorry for the sudden change of plan and feel it a great pity to miss the opportunity.
(5) I’m awfully sorry to tell you that I won’t be able to attend the lecture on the British literature this Sunday morning. Now I’m writing to express my deepest apology to you.
(6) I am excessively sorry to tell you that I have lost the book I borrowed from you. Now I'm expressing my deepest apology for my carelessness.
【注】有些情况下,如因为拒绝“别人盛意邀请”而致歉,我们可以首先表达一下谢意,然后再表达歉意。例如:
(7)Thank you very much for inviting me to attend the “Chinese Culture Day” to be held at your school this Saturday. I have been looking forward to it. But now, I am sorry to say that I cannot go for it on time.
(二)第二段写什么?
1、先写主题句:
(1) The reason is that + X.
(2) The reason why I will fail to go there for our appointment is that + X.
(3) Here is the reason/thing.
2、再写解释句:
(1) The reason is that my left foot was injured. I fell off my bike yesterday when I was on my way to school, and the doctor insisted that I should stay in bed for at least two weeks.
(2) The reason why I will fail to go there for our appointment is that I have to attend a family get-together tomorrow when my cousin Peter will return home from Beijing.
(3) The reason why I didn’t finish the book report on time is that I suddenly fell ill last Friday morning. My parents sent me to hospital and I had to stay there for the next three days. Therefore, there was not enough time for me to finish the homework.
(4) Here is the reason. My grandfather, who is in his 70s, fell on the ground suddenly while having a shower yesterday. He was so seriously injured that he was sent to hospital at once. Now he is receiving treatment and I must look after him.
(5) Here is the reason. I caught a bad cold and had a high fever, which made me have a headache and sleep all day. So bad did I feel that I couldn’t do my homework in time. Now I have to wast no time finishing them. So I cannot go with you. (倒装句的使用)
(6) Here is the thing. Just now, my cousin, Li Ying, who went abroad for further education last year, informed me that she would return the next Friday morning. She asked me to pick her up at the airport. So I have to break our appointment. (break an appointment 爽约,失约)
3、还写“补救措施”句
(1) Can I suggest that we put it off until early August
(2) Would you mind if I suggested you and me have a private meeting afterwards
( = Would you mind if I smoked = Do you mind if I smoke 这里would do与if sb did 连用表委婉 )
(3) I would appreciate it if you fix another time. I’ll be available at any time after the contest.
(4) Is it possible for us to rearrange the time to watch the movie If it’s convenient for you, let’s meet at 8:30 outside the school gate. If not, let me know what time suits you best. I should be available any time after school next week.
(5) Feeling awfully sorry, I have bought a new book to make up for my fault.
(三)第三段写什么?(再次致歉、希望得到理解)
(1) I sincerely apologize again for my mistake.
(2) Many apologies again for all the inconvenience I’ve caused you.Best regards.
(3) I hope that you will understand and forgive me.
(4) I sincerely hope you can understand my situation and accept my apology.
(5) I am truly sorry for what I did and hope you can accept my sincere apology.
(6) I apologize again for any inconvenience or trouble caused by my carelessness. Definitely, such a thing will never happen again.
(7) I sincerely hope that you will be able to think in my position and accept my apology from the bottom of heart.
四、典例呈现
【考例1】 (2016新课标全国卷III) 假定你是李华,与留学生朋友Bob约好一起去书店,因故不能赴约。请给他写封邮件,内容包括:
1.表示歉意; 2.说明原因; 3.另约时间。
注意:1.词数100左右; 2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
【参考范文版本1】
Dear Bob,
I’m sorry to say that I cannot go to the bookstore with you on Friday afternoon.
The reason is that I have to attend an important class meeting that afternoon.I hope the change will not cause you too much trouble.Shall we go on Saturday morning We can set out early so that we will have more time to read and select books. If it’s convenient for you, let’s meet at 8:30 outside the school gate. If not, let me know what time suits you best.I should be available any time after school next week.
I would like to express my sincere apology again.
Yours,
Li Hua
【参考范文版本2】
Dear Bob,
I’m sorry to say that I might have no choice but to break my promise of going to the bookstore with you.
Here is the reason. I have just been informed that our class is going to hold an important meeting on Saturday afternoon---exactly the time we shall meet. What an awful coincidence! I feel so sorry about it.
Now that I’m not able to be present on time, shall we choose another time I’ll be available any time after the meeting. Will Sunday morning suits your convenience If so, we can meet then and I’m sure we will have a good time together.
I make an apology again for not going to the book store with you as promised. I sincerely wish we can have fun next time.
【参考范文版本3】
Dear Bob,
I would like toexpress my deepest apology for not being able to go to the bookstore with you on Friday afternoon.
Here is the thing. I have just found that I have to attend an important class meeting that afternoon. So urgent is it that I have to get our plan changed (倒装句使用). I hope the change will not cause you too much trouble. Shall we go on Saturday morning We can set out early so that we’ll have more time to read and select books. If it’s convenient for you, let’s meet at 8:30 outside the school gate. If not, let me know what time suits you best. I should be available any time after school next week.
I am awfully(副词的运用) sorry for your inconvenience caused by me again.(再次道歉)
Yours,
Li Hua
【参考范文版本4】
Dear Bob,
I'm writing to express my sincere apology to you for not going to the bookstore with you at our appointed time. I’m sorry for the inconvenience it may cause you.
The reasonwhy I won’t be available at that time is that my father felt ill suddenly yesterday and now he is in hospital. My family are taking turns to take care of him in the hospital. So I have to stay with him that day. I sincerely hope you can accept my apologies. Meanwhile,I would appreciate it if you could allow me to fix another date. If it’s convenient for you, shall we meet at 8:00 am next Saturday If not, please keep me informed in advance of what time suits you best.
Sorryagain for the inconvenience caused by me.
Yours,
Li Hua
【考例2】假定你是李华,你的好友Tom想约你明晚和他家人共进晚餐,但你因故不能应约。请根据以下要点用英语给他写一封邮件:
1.表示歉意
2.解释原因
3.弥补方法。
注意:1.词数80左右;2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
【参考范文】
Dear Tom,
I’m writing toconvey my sincere apology to you for being unable to attend the dinner with your family tomorrow.
Here is the thing. I was informed suddenly that an important exam would be held the day after tomorrow. So I will be fully occupied these days. I feel terribly sorry for missing the chance of such a happy get-together and causing you trouble. Would you mind if I suggested you and me have a private meeting afterwards If so, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line about your preferable date.
I am truly sorry for any inconvenience or trouble caused by me and hope you can accept my sincere apology.
Yours
Li Hua
【考例3】假设你是新华中学的学生李华,你和在上海上学的英国朋友Tom约好下周末去北京旅游,但你因故不能赴约。请根据以下要点用英语给他写一封电子邮件:1. 表示歉意;2. 解释原因;3. 另约时间。
注意:1.词数80左右;2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
【参考范文】
Dear Tom,
I am writing to express my heartfelt apology to you for my being unable to travel with you.
The reason is that I am unexpectedly chosen to take part in the CCTV national English speech contest next weekend, which really means a lot to me. As a result, I have no choice but to break my promise.
I would appreciate it if you fix another time. I’ll be available at any time after the contest. Please drop me a line to let me know your decision soon.
I sincerely hope you will understand my choice and accept my apology.
Yours truly,
Li Hua
【考例4】假如你是新华中学的学生李华,你的美国朋友Tom一周前给你发电子邮件,询问你暑假里的打算,但你因准备期末考试未能及时回复。请根据以下要点给他回封邮件:
1. 未及时回信的原因;2. 你假期的打算(如:做兼职、旅行、做志愿者等)
【参考范文】
Dear Tom,
I’m terribly sorry that I couldn’t reply to your email which you sent me a week ago immediately. Please forgive me.
The reason is that I was so occupied with the final exams. Definitely, such a thing will never happen again. As for my plan for the coming summer holiday, I will first do a part-time job in a fast-food restaurant. I hope that not only can I earn some money but also I can gain some social experience. And then I will go on a trip to Sichuan, where there are a great number of places of interest. Finally, I’ll go to remote mountainous areas to work as a volunteer.There is no doubt that children there are badly in need of help. I hope what I will do will make a great difference to them.
Best wishes.
Yours truly,
Li Hua
【考例5】假如你是李华,国际学校的教师Paul邀请你星期六参加该校举行的“中国文化日”活动。但你的爷爷突然生病住院,你要和父母一起去医院探视,不得不拒绝他的邀请。请根据下列要点用英语给Paul写一封电子邮件。要点包括:1. 谢绝邀请;2. 说明理由;3. 预祝活动成功。
【参考范文】
Dear Paul,
Thank you very much for inviting me to attend the “Chinese Culture Day” to be held at your school this Saturday. I have been looking forward to it. But now, much to my regret, I shall not be able to attend it on time.
The reason is that my grandpa suddenly feels ill and is in hospital. I will visit him with my parents on Saturday.
I’m awfully sorry for the sudden change of my plan and feel it a great pity to miss the opportunity to enjoy the activity. I wish the activity to be a great success and hope I will have another chance to join you in the future.
Yours,
Li Hua
【考例6】假定你是李华,寒假中作为交流生短期去英国培训,回国时因为匆忙,把房东Bob的音乐光盘夹在行李中带了回来。现在请你给Bob写一封道歉信,要点如下:
1. 对自己带走音乐光盘表示歉意。2. 提出解决的办法。 . 再次请求原谅。
【参考范文】
Dear Bob,
I am writing to make an apology to you for I forgot to return a music CD which I borrowed from you last week. Yesterday I came back from England and found it in my luggage. I am so sorry that you cannot listen to it at present.
The CD which I borrowed from you is made in England, so I believe you may find another one in your local store.How about your buying another CD by yourself and I will pay for it If you cannot find a similar one, I would send it back to you through a post office. And if there are any other solutions you like, please let me know.
I am terribly sorry again for my carelessness. Please forgive me for any inconvenience caused. I am looking forward to your reply.
【考例7】假设你是李华,因为要准备高三年级第一次模拟考试(practice test), 未能在教师节当天去看望外教Mr. Green, 请根据要求给他写一封邮件。要点如下:
1. 对未能在节日当天去拜访表示歉意;2. 介绍自己近期的学习和生活状况;
3. 提议本周末和另外两名同学一起去Mr. Green 家里拜访。
【参考范文】
Dear Mr. Green,
How is everything going I miss you so much, but recently I have been so occupied in preparing for the first Practice Test that I didn’t visit you on Teacher’s Day. What a pity! I am so sorry for it.
I am living my life to the fullest now. Not only do I have to take a great many courses attentively and complete my assignments efficiently, but also I must build up my body. In the meantime, what I attempt to do is to adjust myself to the stressful life, such as listening to music, consulting teachers and anything that helps to recover my energy.
Are you available on the weekend If so, another two students and I want to pay a visit to you. Looking forward to your reply.
【考例8】假如你是李华,作为交换生(an exchange student)正在英国Windmill College学习。今天早上你骑车上学时不小心刮擦到了一辆停在路边的汽车。由于急着上学,你无法在原地等候车主,请留一张便条,内容包括:
1. 表明身份;
2. 简述事情经过;
3. 道歉并表示愿意赔偿;
4.联系方式(Tel:1234567, E-mail:lihua@)。
【参考范文】
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m Li Hua, an exchange student from China, studying at Windmill College. I’m so sorry that my bike scratched your car accidentally when I was riding to school this morning.
I understand it will certainly put you in a very bad mood. I sincerely apologize for what I did and promise I will cover all the relevant costs/expenses. As school will start soon, I can’t wait on the scene/spot for you. Please feel free to contact me at 1234567 or lihua@.
Many apologies again for all the inconvenience I’ve caused you. Best regards.
Li Hua